Saturday morning started off as any other day. Scratch that, it was a little different because my husband told me the night before to sleep in. My family had a rough two weeks, RSV and the stomach flu and my husband had a lot of travel. And I’m ending my first trimester of pregnancy, so I took the opportunity to sleep in a little bit.

I woke up with my 6 year old saying “Mom, dad needs you…”. I slowly got out of bed and by the time I hit the top step, my husband was running up the steps with my 2 year old son, Thomas, in his arms.

Thomas has food allergies, specifically to milk and peanuts. He is very sensitive to milk and we are (kind of) used to him getting hives. He gets hives from people who have had milk and touch him or kiss him. So we are diligent about not having milk in the house and we scrub our hands if we eat something with dairy.

But this was different. I looked at him and saw immediately that his lips were huge and looked covered with blisters. He had hives around his mouth. And his little eyes were so scared and he was grabbing at his mouth. I barked to my husband to run and get the epi-pen, ran into the bathroom with my baby, grabbed the phone and called 911.

The next 15 minutes were a blur. We injected him with the epi-pen, gave directions to the ambulance. My hands shook as I threw on jeans and put my son into a new diaper and clothes and then we want downstairs and waited for the EMTs. All the time saying, “what happened…what happened…”

We found out later it was a crack in our defenses that caused the reaction. His normal box of breakfast oatmeal was slightly different, same brand, different version. And it had milk as an ingredient. He only had a few bites, but that was enough.

The trip in the ambulance was terrifying. He was scared, I was scared. Hives cropped up everywhere, covering his chest and back, in his ears, around his eyes and mouth. He got a breathing treatment because he began to wheeze, but fortunately his oxygen stayed okay.

At the ER he got a big dose of steroids and slowly the effects of the milk began to fade. They told us we did everything right. We gave the epi-pen and Benadryl immediately and we called 911. But my husband and I are both shaken to the core.

And I learned a few things. I learned never to trust any product, that we must must must read each label, every time, no matter what. I learned that the epi-pen is not that scary compared to what happens without one. And I learned that epi-pens save lives. I don’t know what would have happened if we didn’t have one that morning, but I know it would have been worse.

Food allergies are serious and they are terrifying. I’m trying now to just work through what happened and not start to think about how we’re ever going to send him into the world. How we’re going to trust a school or a babysitter, how I’m going to let him out of my sight. I know so many parents of food allergic children have gone before me and have paved the way for me and my Thomas. That this isn’t the end of the world and I pray he will be okay as long as we keep him safe. I learned we had a big crack in our defenses and it won’t go down again if I can help it.

To learn more about food allergies, you can visit BabyCenter articles on Allergies and Asthma. And the BabyCenter Community has an amazing group dedicated to discussing Food Allergies. I’ve learned so much there and have received an incredible amount of support.

34 Responses to The terror of a food allergy reaction

How scary! I am glad it all worked out. Thank you for sharing as it is a good reminder to all with any such issue to be diligent in checking every package as often companies make changes.

I am worried my little girl is going to have food allergies. I hope not, but this will be my lesson if she does. Good job on doing everything right to treat him quickly.

Nicolesays:

February 2, 2012 at 9:20 am

My goodness, Katie! I’m so glad Thomas is OK!

Valsays:

February 2, 2012 at 9:29 am

Oh my gosh, how scary! You’re absolutely right when you say, “…the epi-pen is not that scary compared to what happens without one.” I’m so glad everyone is okay. Your poor husband…he must feel so bad that it happened on his watch while he was trying to give you a break. Not his fault at all, of course, but I know my husband would feel so awful.

Heathersays:

February 2, 2012 at 10:15 am

I remember the day we discovered my little brother’s nut allergy, it was terrible! I live in constant fear of my little girl developing one of the many allergies that is in my family, so I feel for you and I’m so glad your little guy is okay!

Kipsays:

February 2, 2012 at 10:15 am

Everyone who thinks parents of kids with allergies are crazy over reactors should know how it felt to be you that morning. The world is a scary place when your kid has allergies.

Cassiasays:

February 2, 2012 at 10:20 am

So many people do not take allergies seriously. I was told once that hives on the outside can lead to hives on the inside or anaphylactic shock. I’m allergic to latex & starches. I can eat corn & potatoes, I just can’t eat the corn off the cob or peel the potatoes. I have to rinse both in cold water after cooking…as well as pasta. I can’t touch foam rubber, and I get a horrible rash from a simple band-aid. My 5 yr old is the same way with latex & band-aids. I get diarrhea and stomach cramps from soy products, so I’ve never even introduced them to my little one. It’s the simple things that people take for granted. So glad your son is alright. Your article made me cry.

JEN Csays:

February 2, 2012 at 11:09 am

I’m so glad your son is ok. Thanks for sharing your story. My 2 year old DD is allergic to peanuts and eggs. Her nut allergy was caught at the allergists office while testing for the eggs, so we don’t know how severe her reaction will be. Having a child with food allergies is very nerve wracking, but reading stories like yours gives me hope that I’ll know when to use the epi pen. I bought a different flavor of our usual brand of shredded cheese last week and didn’t realize until I got home that it had nuts in it. Thankfully I noticed before giving any to DD.

Sarahsays:

February 2, 2012 at 11:23 am

How terrifying!! I am so glad your son is okay now, and so sorry you had to go through that.

Katherine Martinsays:

February 2, 2012 at 11:47 am

Thanks everyone. I hesitated to write about it…it was hard, but I think it’s important to spread awareness about food allergies. Especially since they are so life changing for my family. So sorry for those of you who are dealing with them to, but I promise the epi-pen was much less intimidating than I thought it would be.

Bevsays:

February 2, 2012 at 12:07 pm

As a person who grew up with severe allergies let me try to help ease your anxiety even a tiny bit!! By time I hit kindergarten I had my food agenda down, could use an epi-pen on my own and was excellent about never touching/tasting other friends foods (and this was WAY before the days of nuts and other such food allergy bans in school).

It’s scary, but you did a great job. As he gets older and able to keep track of a lot himself it WILL get easier and less scary!! Good job mom!!

When my DD was 6 she had been tested for food allergies and all kinds of walnuts came up, but I missed the part where she was also allergic to cashews. I accidentally let her have RAW cashews when we were leaving a store and by the time we were out of the parking lot she had hives all over her face and was telling me her throat felt funny. She did not have an epi-pen because she had never had a reaction that was worse than her eczema flaring up. We got lucky and benadryl did the trick,but from that point on we avoid ALL nuts just to be safe and I have an epi-pen on me at all times.

I think you did a great job! Pat yourself on the back for being a good mama!

AJsays:

February 3, 2012 at 9:44 am

We had a similar product confusion problem this fall when many juices added pear juice as an ingredient due to fluctuations in fruit prices. My son is allergic to pears and had a significantly more severe reaction than his usual one so it took mistakes to figure out what was causing the problem. Hope you all continue to stay healthy and thank you for educating people that the epipen is not your enemy. Great Job!

Lisa T.says:

February 3, 2012 at 10:00 am

It’s horrifying. My son’s big reaction with the ambulance, EMTs, etc. was when he was 2 as well to peanut. I understand, and have walked in your shoes.

Kylasays:

February 3, 2012 at 10:18 am

One thing we learned from our allergist is that each reaction is worse than the one before…. What starts out as “just hives” will always progress. Our on has a peanut allergy and I’ve been in the exact same ituation as you and it is terrifying. My son was 14 months at the time. Now we are super vigilent and don’t have any nut products in our house ever. I’m glad he was okay and thanks for sharing.

Michaelsays:

February 3, 2012 at 11:06 am

HUGE congratulations on doing precisely the right thing and saving your son’s life. Great parenting. If I am ever faced with something similar I hope to do the same.

Excellent job, Katherine. Don’t beat yourself up over missing the label. No one’s perfect – both my husband and I have each done this once. Read ‘em every time!

Kyla, all things being equal (meaning the allergen, the amount received and the child’s health/equilibrium at the time), reaction levels generally stay about the same. You may have misunderstood what your allergist was saying. There is something called “the allergic march” which means that, as children age, the symptoms of their reactions change. Toddlers who got hives may no longer see cutaneous symptoms – they may go right into wheezing instead. This can make reactions seem worse.

Believe me – my MFA son is 17 now and we’ve seen many different reactions, and levels of reactions. Don’t make yourself more scared than you have to be. Anxiety is a disorder too, just like food allergies.

First, *hugs* I know this was terrifying for you. But you handled it really well. I know it seems like you never want to let him out of your sight but I promise-it will get easier. You WILL learn to trust, you will learn how to ask questions, advocate, protect, and be direct with people. It will always be a challenge and you may always have some kind of guard up but you do learn how to live with Food allergies. My DD is almost 7. She is allergic to peanut, tree nut, egg, soy, all legumes. She attends a public school and has attended 4 different schools (due to moves etc) and each have had their pros and cons. She does go on play dates. I HAVE left her alone with family and with sitters. You do learn how to manage it. Keep up the good work and feel confident that you will help him find his way safely in the world!!!

Bethsays:

February 3, 2012 at 1:17 pm

Good job giving the epi pen! Many people need more than one epi pen and for some reason ambulance staff and ER doctors often do not give the epi even when it is needed. When your child started reacting again after the epi was given most allergists would recommend a 2nd epi pen be given. I would talk about this with your allergist, especially since your child had breathing difficulty.

Jodi lsays:

February 3, 2012 at 1:42 pm

My daughter is also allergic to the touch of dairy, along with a long list of allergies! She only eats 24 foods total, but is happy. We do go to the local public school and with a lot of education and a great doctor, the school has done what it has needed too. Just continue to be the best ADVOCATE for your son and share online to share your experience and knowledge! This blog will helps others around me!

Rebebccasays:

February 3, 2012 at 2:28 pm

Same thing happened to us when my son was 2 years old. We didn’t even know he had food allergies until that morning when he took a bite from a toast that had peanut butter and the rest was history. My son started to scream and when I held him he pushed me away and he started to say my mouth hurt and I knew then he was reacting to the peanut butter. Luckily, my husband had an epi at home (he is a doctor and he keeps one at home just incase) so we injected my son and rushed to the ER where he had a second reaction and was admitted for 24 hours observation. It was the scariest day of my life.

Summersays:

February 3, 2012 at 6:08 pm

We had a nearly identical experience to yours just with slightly different details (severe anaphylaxisis to milk hidden in a product resulting in administration of epipen and ambulance transportation to hospital) and you should know that our son has done well in daycare and preschool settings with the right teachers and our decision to only allow food from home. It’s a daily challenge and to be sure, 2 years later I am still haunted by our terrifying experience. But I hope you can be encouraged that it will be possible for your child to move forward in life- especially with your support and watchfulness.

Ninosays:

February 3, 2012 at 9:11 pm

As we all know, many people don’t think allergies are a serious problem.
The truth is that they really are a serious problem, as a matter of fact, allergies is a disability and people who have it deserve monthly compensation just like any other american with disability. In some countries, in Europe, people with allergies collect a monthly pension. Maybe it’s time to have it in the US also and then everybody will start thinking that allergies are a serious problem.

koolchickensays:

February 4, 2012 at 3:15 am

It’s stories like this that make me so angry at Doc’s and parents who think it’s “fun” to label someone as having an allergy. We have a lot of serious allergies in my family so I get a little nuts when people say they or their kids have an allergy when it’s clear they don’t. My own MIL says she has a soy allergy despite the fact I’ve seen her eat a bowl of raw edamame to no ill effect (amount other things). My husband says to ignore her but it’s people like that, that make others think allergies are a game. People who play like that should have to experience what you went through, I bet they wouldn’t find it so fun anymore.

jennifersays:

February 4, 2012 at 6:21 am

You did a great job! You are a great mom! We had the same type of experience from giving our daughter a cashew when she was 2. We did not know she was allergic. Keeping her safe from nuts is a daily worry. My daughter has also done well in preschool, daycare, and now kindergarten. Bringing food from home is very helpful. Also, I find that catholic schools do a particularly good job of protecting kids in the cafeteria when they are old enough for school.

Margaret Walshsays:

February 5, 2012 at 6:43 am

Thank you for sharing your story. Unfortunately, I know all too well the terror you and your family went through. Last December my 3 year old son had an anaphylactic reaction to a piece of chocolate (peanut/tree nut allergy) and required 3 doses of epinephrine along with steroids and we spent the night in pediatric ICU. It still terrifies me, how close we were to losing him. He will start public school in two years and currently, our district is not peanut and tree nut free. I’ve begun the process of hopefully trying to change that. I’m at the bottom of the mountain, but somehow I HAVE TO make it to the top! Education of children is important but education their PARENTS is just as important. I’m sharing your link to hopefully shed some light on the issue for parents of non allergy children. Thank you again!

Kerrisays:

February 5, 2012 at 10:44 am

Oh how scary! I’m glad that you had the epi-pens and everything is okay now. My daughter has an allergy to tree nuts and that scares me to pieces. I don’t know how peanut allergy Moms do it. But you know what I think every time I start to worry about my daughter starting school next year? We are fortunate to live in a time where all allergens are written on food products, and we are fortunate to be able to carry around a pack of epi-pens just in case.

Jamiesays:

February 21, 2012 at 1:57 pm

Wow how scary! I’m just new to this food allergy. My 4yr old son was just diagnosed a few days ago. He had a reaction and now has to carry an epipen everywhere he goes. I’m looking for a bad similar the one they show in this picture that will hold the 2 epipens and the beneadryl. Does anyone have any good suggestions?

Derrishasays:

February 27, 2012 at 8:33 am

My 18th month old had an allergic reation to a cookie that had peanut butter in the center yesterday. I’ve never been through anything like that before and it scared me to no end…thanks for this story, I will now try my best to make sure nothing like this happens again!!

Nicolesays:

March 2, 2012 at 12:15 pm

Where did you get that nice bag for EpiPens?

Katherinesays:

May 18, 2012 at 2:49 pm

Oh, your poor baby. This brings tears to my eyes.

Louisasays:

May 18, 2012 at 8:26 pm

You should take him to a natual dr or homeopath. They might really be able to help him. Cell salts can work miracles and so can a bio feedback machine. Good luck, I can’t even imagine the stress of this!

Dianne Davissays:

May 31, 2012 at 1:10 pm

We, too, have to be careful about the foods we buy and eat at functions. Our allergies aren’t as severe (yet–it’s progressively getting worse) and the worst one is to all artificial sweeteners. My reaction time is 10 minutes (down from 4 hours from first discovery 25 years ago) and my eldest daughter’s is within a couple of minutes. I see the predosed Benadryl oak in with your epipens. Where did you find it? Long ago I know we were able to buy them here but can’t find it anymore. We carry the capsules but I know the liquid is better and quicker for immediate absorbtion. We have to check anything processed because they are putting artificial sweeteners in many more things now and not listing them on the front of the boxes. Processed foods are minimal but fun to have on occasion.

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